Choirs Unite in Song

The article below from the Andover Advertiser explains:

‘AN ECLECTIC mixture of classical, modern, and traditional songs from around the globe ensured a fundraising evening in aid of Andover Young Carers and St Peter's Church, Goodworth Clatford was a resounding success.

Held at St Mary's Church, Andover, the 'United in Song' concert raised more than £3900 for the charities much to the delight of the organisers and performers from Romsey Male Voice Choir and Rookwood School. “It was such an uplifting evening of song,” commented concert organiser Jane Eastwood, also churchwarden at St Peter’s. “We were all captivated by the talents of the young performers and the rousing performance of the male voice choir.

“It was particularly heart-warming that the schoolchildren were helping their less fortunate contemporaries and we could feel the church was filled with people who cared about the plight of the Andover Young Carers.” Jeremy Simmonds, a member of the AYC management committee, explained some of responsibilities the carers have looking after a parent and often siblings as well. Some are younger than nine years old and frequently have no time for a childhood themselves. Often their schoolwork can suffer as well as their social lives.

Two choirs and soloists from Rookwood School took part in the concert led by Head of Music Louise Parsons. They literally moved the audience with their joyful renditions of the traditional Congolese song Banaha, and Adiemus, from Songs of Sanctuary by Karl Jenkins. Soloist William Swinnerton’s voice soared magically in Ave Maria and Lucy Sumner was captivating with I Put A Spell on You.

Romsey Male Voice Choir, led by musical director Marion Maxey, also had people swaying to the South Pacific rhythm of Pokarekare Ana. They chose a less traditional selection of songs for the evening which featured well known songs from the shows, favourites from Paul Simon and the Hollies and finished with Impossible Dream, from Man of La Mancha. David Grey, also one of the organising committee, sang the solo part in the Working Man.

All the performers joined together for the finale of Somewhere from West Side Story.’

RMVC Chairman Peter Ashby thanked David and Jackie and the Committee “It was a real joy to perform to a full audience in the Church and to sing with such a talented young choir from Rookwood School. The amount raised for the two charities is testament to the hard work put in by the Committee, as well as the fantastic generosity of sponsors and the audience.The combination of music and worthy causes is our foundation and it’s great when it works as well as it did at St Mary’s